New York, NY, February 1, 2012 - GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today called on community members and allies to stand up for Ellen DeGeneres and tell J.C. Penney that the company made the right choice in selecting her as its new spokesperson.

The call for support comes after a group known as "OneMillionMoms.com, a Project of the American Family Association" -- an organization designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) -- told its supporters to call J.C. Penney and demand that the company replace Ellen as its new spokesperson because she is openly gay. According to SPLC, hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics.

"While designated hate groups try to start ‘culture wars,’ it’s clear that a vast majority of Americans today support Ellen as well as their LGBT friends and family members,” said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD. “Selecting an out performer who has inspired and entertained millions, is not only a smart business practice, but a reflection of how LGBT Americans today are an integral and valued part of the fabric of our culture."

A 2011 Gallup poll showed that 53% of Americans support marriage equality, and data continues to reflect an American public that wants to ensure that all loving couples are able to marry, regardless of sexual orientation.

In announcing Ellen via press release on January 25, the company's President Michael Francis noted: "We share the same fundamental values as Ellen. At jcpenney, we couldn't think of a better partner to help us put the fun back into the retail experience."

Among her many accolades, Ellen received the People's Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Host earlier this month. She has also served as a spokesperson for American Express and COVERGIRL makeup, among others.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is nominated for a GLAAD Media Award this year for Outstanding Talk Show Episode. Previously, Ellen received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 1998 GLAAD Media Awards for her work to promote equality.

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This is a stupid move. Traditional families are the majority of J. C. Penney's customers. This is an affront to all who follow God's plan for 1 man with 1 woman in holy matrimony. This move will only hurt J.C. Penney's sales.
Sincerely,
A concerned and, now, former customer

It's 2012 Anit Gay groups (OMG). Maybe thoses moms a million need to come out the closet and get with the time's.Love Ellen she is the most family friendly person on T.V I have 4 kids and they love Ellen they think she is the nices person on T.V, The only thing that's hurting J.C Penneys in Charlotte, NC is there isn't one in Charlotte they are on the outskirts. Team Ellen all day long and just for that i will drive 30 minutes out the way to rekindle my love for J.C Penney's

Glad to see Penney's isn't bending to the irrational demands of a few hate mongers. JCP's latest catalog is inspirational as well--very colorful and beautiful--just like life. Think I'll swing by the local store and pick up a few things ... right now!

If you would like to stand against prejudice and attempted censorship in its most blatant form, please call J.C. Penney Corporate at 972-431-1000
I called-and they are VERY NICE and would love to hear from you. Please support their decision to hire Ellen as a spokesperson. I haven't shopped at J.C. Penney in years-but they are my first choice NOW! Money talks-and mine is about to get loud for J.C. Penney. I SUPPORT ELLEN AND J.C. PENNEY 100%

In America, we are finally getting it right! Prejudice against one of us- is prejudice agaist all of us! When the ugly head of racism, gender discrimination, antisemitism, and homophobia, raises up- We will say "NO, NOT IN HERE, NOT IN AMERICA"
This country was founded on the belief that we have a right to choose our religion, and who we choose to love. I may not agree with abortion-but I support your right to choose for yourself. I may not like you -but I need to respect your right to be who you are.

Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it.
Frances Wright

If you stand for equality, please take the time to call J.C. Penny Corporate at 972-431-1000 and tell them you support their Great, Wise, and entirely appropriate decision to let a great role model like Ellen DeGeneres represent them. If they want a whole new demographic of shoppers- I think they just GOT IT! I have to go see what they have in the way of TV's-Hmmmmm, a flatscreen for the veranda???

I am from the United Kingdom and just heard about the JC Penny Getting Ellen as the spokesperson. I am behind Ellen 100% and have to say to all all the People not behind Ellen to grow up. Ellen has been a role model of mine since I can Remember yes she Gay so what she is just a normal Human being as well. And all this about GOD this And God that its really Nout to do with God what we do with are Lives. And if you Don't Like what JC penny has done Go and shop somewhere else i am sure there will not be sad. Well done Ellen and JC Penny I AM BEHIND YOU

i'm a guy that likes gals and one of the gals I like is ellen degeneres. she's a nice person. These million moms who hate on ellen are nothing but a bunch of bigots and they have picked on the wrong person because a lot of people, gay and straight people both, like ellen degeneres. She's funny, open and nice. She is not a pig like million moms are. I think that million moms may be committing a tort because it is a violation of tort law to interfere with someone's employment contract. You can protest something but you can not try to get someone fired for an illegal reason. If there are gender-orientation laws applicable in the location she is contracted with J.C. Pennys then Ellen might be able to prevail in a legal action against million moms just like some african americans have won judgments against KKK members that own property. I wish Ellen would consider this and possibly sue million moms for their attempts to interfere with her employment contract,